In a lighthearted moment during a media day in Paris ahead of the French Open, American tennis star Jessica Pegula joked about bringing fellow American and doubles partner Coco Gauff along for a ride on the Paris metro — a humorous nod to the unpredictable daily routines of tennis players during Grand Slam tournaments.
Pegula, known for her composed demeanor and tactical brilliance on court, has recently returned to the tour after a brief injury layoff. As she prepares for Roland Garros, her playful comments during a press conference brought some much-needed levity to a week usually marked by nerves and focus. “I’ve been trying to explore more of Paris on this trip. I thought about hopping on the metro for a little adventure — maybe I’ll drag Coco along for the ride,” Pegula said with a grin, drawing laughs from the room.
Coco Gauff, who won the US Open last year and is now considered a top contender for the French Open title, has built a strong friendship with Pegula both on and off the court. The duo, often dubbed “Team USA” in doubles, are admired for their chemistry and mutual respect. While Pegula’s metro idea was clearly made in jest, fans were quick to jump on social media to imagine the two stars navigating Parisian public transport like ordinary tourists.
Meanwhile, another American, Emma Navarro, found herself unexpectedly defending her punctuality — after a misinterpreted post-practice comment led to light-hearted suggestions that she’s always running late.
During a recent joint media appearance, Navarro was teased by fellow WTA players about her “legendary” lateness when it comes to warm-ups and team meetings. Navarro, however, wasn’t letting the joke slide without a comeback. “I swear I’m not always late! I just have a different sense of timing,” she said, laughing. “Maybe I’ll invite myself to every player’s warm-up this week just to prove I can be early!”
Navarro, 23, has been having a breakout season, climbing up the WTA rankings and gaining respect for her powerful baseline play and mental toughness. As she heads into Roland Garros, she’s aiming to make her deepest run yet at a major — and hopes the focus will remain on her tennis rather than her timekeeping.
The camaraderie among these American players — Gauff, Pegula, and Navarro — highlights a new era of U.S. women’s tennis. Gone are the days of icy rivalries; in their place are genuine friendships, shared jokes, and competitive support.
Whether or not Pegula and Gauff actually ride the metro this week, or Navarro sets her alarm ten minutes earlier, one thing is certain: the American women are bringing talent, personality, and plenty of charm to Paris. With the French Open just days away, fans can expect great matches on the clay — and a few fun moments off the court, too.
